Wellington North candidates address pool, infrastructure, housing

MOUNT FOREST – The Mount Forest and Arthur chambers of commerce hosted an all -candidates meeting at the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex on Oct. 8.

In attendance were dozens of residents, both mayoral candidates, 11 of 12 township candidates, all four county councillor candidates and one of three school board trustee candidates. 

Prior to the mingling portion of the event, candidates were given a minute and a half to introduce themselves.

Mayoral candidates

“Wellington North continues to need stable leadership to maintain financial, sustainably managed growth and maintenance of our infrastructure,” said Steven McCabe.

“Our next council term will build on a  solid financial foundation to maintain existing roads, bridges, pipes, facilities and build new water towers in both Arthur and Mount Forest.” 

McCabe said he wants to encourage “purpose-built housing for first-time home buyers, as well as commercial (construction) for new businesses.”

He also expressed the need for a new firehouse, public works yard and pool in Mount Forest and said “new development will pay for this infrastructure.” 

“I’ve spent most of my life working with people,” said Kelly Dimick. “I’ve ran businesses, managed budgets, organized some pretty big events, led community organizations, worked with volunteers and employees, and I’ve had enough experience to have to deal with some really tough decisions.”

Dimick said she knows what it’s like to live pay cheque to pay cheque and that taught her “how to stretch a dollar.”

“I understand that when council talks about percentages, budgets and increases, that they’re actually talking about the families behind those numbers,” said Dimick. 

Councillor candidates

Incumbent Ward 1 councillor Penny Renken said she “fully supports” the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) and said she is “committed to seeing the swimming pool completed.”

“I don’t like the price tag but our youth need a pool to learn life saving skills, for recreation and socializing,” said Renken. She also voiced a need for more accessible playgrounds, with rubber mats rather than wood chips, for easier wheelchair access. 

Ward 1 candidate Michelle McInnis also supports a new outdoor pool, specifically “an affordable facility with potential to become indoor.” 

McInnis offered suggestions on how to preserve the old arena for youth, seniors and community activities. 

“Residents should not need hours to understand township business,” she said. “I want plain language summaries of lengthy minutes and documents, searchable key issues and communication through online, print and in-person channels.” 

Ward 1 candidate Wayne Allen drew on his construction, business and budgeting experience and said he would direct his “full-time energy to core municipal responsibilities” such as senior services, public safety, roads and infrastructure, land use planning, industrial and housing developments. 

Incumbent Ward 2 councillor Sherry Burke said she remains focused on “developing partnerships, advocating for improvements to our parks, roads, and infrastructure and prioritizing safe neighborhoods where families can live, work, and play.” 

She said sustainable growth is needed, and “we need to ensure our bylaws related to development are respected. We must continue to find a balance that meets housing needs while preserving our unique character.”

Ward 2 candidate Adriana Cea also mentioned balancing development and infrastructure.

“My vision for the future of our township is transparency, tax spending responsibility, forward-thinking city planning with concentration on our own infrastructure before building, and ensuring that the development has everything in place so that growth we do have doesn’t disrupt current residents,” she said.

Ward 2 candidate Laura Aston did not attend. 

Ward 3 candidate Erin Kiers criticized how resident concerns about Arthur’s brown water were handled, called for fresh perspectives and more transparent communication, and proposed quarterly “Coffee with Councillor” sessions.

“The purpose of having elections is to diversify the perspective, inject new insightful ideas that can revitalize and create more robust communities, and keep community servants on their toes,” she said.

Incumbent Ward 3 candidate Lisa Hern wants to expand CIP, to launch a central planning portal to make planning easier for residents to understand and comment on, and to develop a strategic plan for agriculture that protects farmland, farm viability, the agricultural economy and its infrastructure. 

“I’ll also hold monthly office hours in Arthur, giving residents another way to connect,” she said.

Ward 3 candidate James Craig said council needs “a fresh perspective ... I think I can be that perspective, but I’ve also heard that experience matters too. And I am lucky to say I’m a fresh perspective that has experience.”

Craig listed his education in public affairs, policy management and economics, and his 13 years of professional experience in agricultural finance at TD Bank and Kindred Credit Union.  

Ward 4’s Alex Zantout said he is running “because Wellington North is growing, and we need decisive leadership that makes the right decisions for the future and builds the right foundation.”

His priorities are housing for seniors and families, farmers and the development of downtown Arthur and Mount Forest.

“[I also] want to make sure that at the council table we have respectful communication between councilors and residents,” said Zantout.

Ward 4 candidate Serge Karwal, who said he immigrated to  Canada in 1993, outlined his history of hard work and said he would always be available to residents if elected. 

“I was a pizza man, a truck driver, then safety manager, and then more. I washed dishes. I did all that – things which you guys can’t even imagine. But I’m proud,” said Karwal. “I’m a hardworking person.”

Ward 4 candidate Troy Lawlor cited his military service, volunteer firefighting and management experience and  emphasized listening and communicating with residents.

“I am running because I believe Ward 4 needs a strong voice and decisive leadership in the years ahead. Several important issues ... are on the horizon and will help shape the future of Wellington North. And it’s critical that residents have representation that listens and communicates openly,” said Lawlor.

County candidates

All four Wellington County councillor candidates were in attendance.

Incumbent Ward 3 councillor Campbell Cork boasted about the county’s triple A credit rating, “the highest rating available.”

“We offer daycare centres and recently doubled the number of spaces at the Mount Forest Center. We added four rent-assisted housing units here in Mount Forest, as well. The county has opened an information centre in Mount Forest for residents to access Wellington social services,” said Cork.

Ward 3 candidate Dan Yake pointed to his municipal-government experience and how “seven of Wellington County’s nine wards were decided by acclamation, and that means two county positions are being contested, and I’m proud to be one of those challengers.” 

He said “competition is healthy in municipal elections. It gives you a choice, gives you an opportunity to ask questions and look at things from a different perspective. Change is not a threat; it’s an opportunity.”

Incumbent Ward 4 councillor Stephen O’Neil used his time to outline the list of community services provided by the county, including garbage pick-up and libraries. 

Ward 4 candidate Allan Tota called for more decisive action on issues such as the proposed data centre in Fergus and Arthur’s water concerns.

“Call me crazy, but I don’t think making the same decision over and over again, expecting a different result, is going to get things done,” said Tota.

“If you really want change, consider voting out the incumbents and giving those that are truly passionate about serving you the chance.”

School board trustees

Only one school board trustee attended the meeting. 

Curtis Cox, UGDSB trustee candidate for Minto, Mapleton and Wellington North, said he would listen to students, families and school staff to make informed decisions. 

“That’s why listening will be a major priority for me. I want to hear from teachers, administration assistants, support staff, students and families before decisions are made, and not after,” said Cox. 

“I want to advocate for appropriate classroom sizes, better access to technology and resources, reliable transportation, and support our staff need to give our students the best possible education. 

“And I want to make sure our rural communities have a strong voice and that the unique needs of our smaller schools aren’t overlooked.”